Antarctic vista, a Mars analog, to be focus of public lecture

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Dry Valleys, an ice-free zone at the head of McMurdo Sound in Antarctica, where scientists and astronauts have conducted training operations over the years in preparation for a trip to Mars, will be the focus of a illustrated l

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By
Thomas J. Morgan
Posted Apr. 1, 2014 @ 2:32 pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Dry Valleys, an ice-free zone at the head of McMurdo Sound in Antarctica, where scientists and astronauts have conducted training operations over the years in preparation for a trip to Mars, will be the focus of an illustrated lecture Thursday evening that is free and open to the public.

The McMurdo Dry Valleys are the closest analog on Earth to the surface of Mars, according to Science Underground. It’s a place where mummified seals believed to be centuries old have been found miles from the nearest seawater, their fate a matter of conjecture. For the last five years, time-lapse cameras have monitored the flow of water in the coldest, driest place in the world. What this says about water on Mars, and surviving and conducting science in one of the most extreme environments on Earth are questions to be considered.

The event will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Flatbread Company, 161 Cushing St., next to the CVS at the corner of Cushing and Thayer Streets.

The organizers ask that those wishing to attend send an email to pvdsciunderground@gmail.com for a tentative head count. Space is limited and seating is first come, first served.

Science Underground is a Providence-based science cafe for anyone interested in learning about science and talking with scientists in a non-academic setting.